Cruise ship used to house Ukrainian refugees to return as 'luxury Edinburgh Fringe hotel'

A giant cruise liner which housed Ukrainian refugees in Edinburgh is set to return to the capital as a “luxury” hotel for the Festival Fringe this summer.

MS Ambition, which hosted up to 1,750 refugees who fled war-torn Ukraine at the start of the war, is set to return this summer.

Sanctuary was offered to over 10,000 people under the Scottish Government’s Super Sponsor Scheme after it was launched in March 2022.

Refugees living on the ship were moved into “longer term accommodation” after the contract with the government came to an end on March 31 last year.

In August 2023, Playbill Travel offered tourists in Edinburgh the chance to stay on the luxury cruise liner which boasts three restaurants, two swimming pools and a theatre.

The FringeShip will be available to book for guests once again from August 8-15 – with prices starting at £1,250 for the cheapest cabin.

A suite, which would set customers back a huge £3,550, includes meals, access to the ship’s amenities and coaches to and from the city centre each day for guests to enjoy the Festival Fringe.

A description of the experience reads: “Playbill Travel invites you to join us for a brand-new experience during the world’s largest celebration of arts and culture, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

“Playbill Travel has chartered the newly refurbished Ambassador Ambition to be our home in Edinburgh August 8 – 15, 2024. Our ship will not only be the foundation of your comfort and enjoyment of the festival, but a part of the entirety of the festival experience.

“The Playbill FringeShip will bring the life and vibrancy of Edinburgh Festival Fringe directly to you on board, with daily performances by outstanding talent straight from the festival.

“Whether it’s at the state of the art Palladium Theatre, or the timeless Cavern Lounge, you are sure to be entertained. The ship will be docked at the Imperial Dock in the Leith section of Edinburgh allowing guests to conveniently attend the festival.”